Salvatore J. (Sam) Scicchitano, 78, of Deerfield passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2009 in the St. Luke's Home. Sam was born in Syracuse, NY on February 10, 1931 the son of the late Saverio and Catherine (Foriero) Scicchitano. He was a graduate of Eastwood High School in Syracuse and attended LeMoyne College of Engineering. He graduated in 1953 from the University of Detroit where he earned his degree in Aeronautical Engineering. At Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Syracuse on May 22, 1954 Sam was united in marriage to Marlene Ann Lobello by Monsignor William Walsh, a blessed union of 55 years. Their marriage was characteristic of their era and revolved around their deep love for each other and wonderful and proud family life. Sam began his working career at Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Co. in Baltimore, MD later working for General Electric Co. in Utica and then until his retirement in 1994 at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome. While employed at Griffiss he worked as an electronic engineer, earning many degrees and certifications, including a Certificate of Achievement from the Netherlands for his work with NATO in improving the communications system in that country. He traveled extensively in the US and Europe throughout his employment. Sam was a parishioner of St. Peter's Church since 1960, a lector of the church and member of the Holy Name, a member of the Utica Maennerchor, AARP, NARFE and the Deerfield Seniors where with his wife Marlene, he enjoyed many memorable associations and activities. Sam was always active at St. Peter's where he coached basketball for 11 years, was chairman of the lectors association, and was always active in fund raising being chairman of St. Peter's First Sports Nite, the summer festival and St. Peter's Bridge League where his partners were the late Lyle Bosley and Rev. Lyle Tobin. Sam was an avid bowler at Pin-O-Rama, Aurora and Sunset Bowling Alleys, and a frequent golfer at Valley View, Griffiss Air Force Base, Pine Crest, Hidden Valley, Twin Ponds and Domenico's Golf Leagues. Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Marlene, his cherished daughters who he was very close to, Catherine Anne and husband, G. Heyward Preacher, of MD, and Judith Marie Scicchitano of MA, a son-in-law, Patrick N. Fraccola of Frankfort, NY, two very special grandchildren, with whom he enjoyed a loving and close relationship and were his constant companions, Patrick Joseph and Alexandra Marie Fraccola, of Frankfort , a brother, and best friend Vincent and wife Dorothy Scicchitano, Cicero, NY, a sister, Catherine "Tina" Carroll of Madrid, Spain and her son, Sam's godson, Scott Alan Carroll also of Madrid, Spain, an aunt, Gen Sansone, Liverpool, NY, in-laws, Sharon and Robert Polsin and family of N. Syracuse, Joseph and Linda LoBello, N. Syracuse, NY, godchildren, Chester Bachorski and Kelly Welton, dear friends, Norm Jefferies, Norman Castello and Frank Semenaro and Maennerchor pals, John Flihan, and Bill Bauer, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Sam was predeceased by his beloved daughter Mary Elizabeth on October 25, 2008. She was always loved and he held her deep in his heart and spirit, and a goddaughter, Maria Polsin Taylor. Mr. Scicchitano's funeral will be held on Monday, August 3, 2009 at 11:00 at St. Peter's Church, North Utica. A private burial will take place in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse, NY. Calling hours at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica are Sunday from 3-7. Flowers are gratefully declined. The family wishes to extend sincere and deep appreciation to the incredible staff of Barton West of the St. Luke's Home, Dr. Raouf Kodsy, Sherri Julian and her staff, especially Judy, Diane, Maribel, Michael, Brandon, Sherry, Audrey and all of Sam's "Angels" of care. Their skill, concern and care given to Sam will never be forgotten. On line memorials may be made at www.Heintzfuneralservice.net TOGETHER FOREVER